Microsoft Azure, formerly known as Windows Azure, is Microsoft's public cloud computing platform. It provides a range of cloud services, including those for compute, analytics, storage and networking. Users can pick and choose from these services to develop and scale new applications, or run existing applications, in the public cloud.

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Hybrid integration – these are services for server backup, site recovery and connecting private and public clouds.

Identity and access management (IAM) – these offerings ensure only authorized users can employ Azure services, and help protect encryption keys and other confidential information.

Internet of Things (IoT) – these services help users capture, monitor and analyze IoT data from sensors and other devices.

Development – these services help application developers share code, test applications and track potential issues. Azure support a range of application programming languages, including JavaScript, Python, .NET and Node.js.

Management and security – these products help cloud administrators manage their Azure deployment, schedule and run jobs, and create automation. This product group also includes capabilities for identifying and responding to cloud security threats.

The full list of Azure services is constantly subject to change. Users should check the Microsoft Azure website for updates.

Just as they can with other public cloud platforms, some organizations use Azure for data backup and disaster recovery. In addition, some organizations use Azure as an alternative to their own data center. Rather than investing in local servers and storage, these organizations choose to run some, or all, of their business applications in Azure.

Microsoft introduced Azure in October 2008. The cloud platform was originally called Windows Azure, but was rebranded to Microsoft Azure in April 2014. Azure competes with other public cloud platforms, including Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud Platform.

To ensure availability, Microsoft has Azure data centers located around the world. As of January 2016, Microsoft said Azure services are available in 22 regions across the globe, including in the United States, Europe, Asia, Australia and Brazil.

As with other public cloud providers, Azure primarily uses a pay-as-you-go pricing model that charges based on usage. However, a single application may use multiple Azure services, so users should review and manage usage to minimize costs.

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the Main pupose of Microsoft to give faculties to users for GUI services and new products and service provided by Microsoft to make easy Manage and Make advance each and every services. I think Microsoft focus on Web base application and service to faculties the users and customer by single clicks.

How could anyone possibly equate Microsoft with "expensive" or some underhanded ploy to "force customers to purchase...." Oh, Microsoft. Business as usual. Now I get it. This is not a warm-and-fuzzy company that engenders a loyal following or trust.